Training Of Technologists Research Articles

A 360-degree evaluation of the professionalism and communication skills of technologists working in the radiology department of a public sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundRadiologic technologists (RTs) are at the forefront of radiology departments and require optimal skills to demonstrate professionalism and effective provider–patient communication. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the reliability of 360-degree evaluation as a feedback tool to improve competencies in this crucial workforce.MethodsA planned 360-degree evaluation was conducted using a 10-item tool to evaluate communication skills and professionalism among radiological technologists working at Dow University Hospital, Karachi. In total, 311 evaluations of fifteen radiological technologists were conducted while performing various diagnostic radiology procedures at the radiology department of Dow University Hospital. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26 to compute the evaluation scores and the reliability of 360-degree evaluation.ResultsA total of 311 RT-patient interactions were recorded over 48 days, with scores from all three raters. The evaluation tool was found to have good internal consistency for patients, faculty, and RT, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.89, 087, and 0.74, respectively. The study found an intraclass correlation of 0.66 (95% CI; 0.58–0.72), showing moderate reliability of the 360-degree evaluation across different raters.ConclusionWe conclude that 360-degree evaluation is a valid and reliable tool for determining the professionalism and communication skills of radiologic technologists and should be incorporated into training programs for formative and summative assessments. However, large-scale multicenter studies are crucial for generalizing these findings and incorporating 360 evaluations in radiological technologist training programs for formative and summative assessments.

A-193 Optimizing Emergency Laboratory Operations Through Six-Sigma Strategies for Enhanced Efficiency and Effectiveness: A Pilot Study

Abstract Background Quality assurance is vital in laboratory diagnostics to ensure patient safety and accurate results. Laboratories employ internal and external quality control measures, particularly focusing on the analytical phase. Sigma metrics, representing process variation, play a crucial role in assessing accuracy, with Six Sigma setting high standards for operational excellence. This study aims to enhance laboratory testing procedures by analyzing the analytical phase. In 2022, the Emergency laboratory at KFAFH, Jeddah, achieved optimal sigma performance, marking a significant improvement in analytical testing. http://www.westgard.com/sigma-vp-kfafh.htm. In 2023, The study also demonstrated a 30% productivity increase, driven by sustained efforts and Sigma metrics implementation, leading to cost reductions and improved quality. Real-time patient moving averages enhance quality assurance, extending coverage to the total testing process. The primary objectives include redesigning IQC procedures and optimizing resource utilization. This will be accomplished by reducing the frequency of controls, minimizing unnecessary reruns, optimizing resource allocation, and managing total costs, all while ensuring compliance and averting violations. Methods A retrospective-prospective study was conducted at the Emergency Laboratory of King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from May 2021 to October 2023. The study assessed 841,558 tests for 131,785 emergency patients. Forty-seven analytes were evaluated for Internal Quality Control and External Quality Control (CAP), with monthly data collection. Chemistry and Hematology parameters were analyzed using Unity Real-Time software on Alinity-ci and Alinity-hq analyzers. Data was collected in three stages: baseline, pre-Sigma verification, post-Sigma implementation, and a sustainability phase. The methodology involved DMAIC model tools like flowcharts, cause & effect analysis, and sigma metric scales. Six Sigma process tools, including DPM and process capability analysis, were used. Interventions included Six Sigma metrics for QC performance, DPM for TAT process improvement, and patient moving average Real-time for proactive risk management in reducing analytical testing variation. Results Excellent performance (> 6 sigma) was achieved for 70% of chemistry test parameters for three control levels.: This indicates a high level of process capability and reliability in laboratory operations, ensuring accuracy and consistency in test results. The study successfully reduced process variation in Emergency Room (ER) laboratory Turnaround times (TATs), leading to an increase in process capability as measured on the Sigma scale, which improved from 1.35 to 3.1, indicating a more robust and efficient laboratory operation. Reducing the cost and efficiency of internal failure controls by 29% and at the same time saving in labor cost/workload marked a decrease in QC frequency from 7.0% to 0.18%, reaching the target goal of TATs and satisfaction. Conclusions The adoption of Six Sigma methodologies resulted in a notable decrease in QC runs, signaling cost savings. These high-quality methods streamline laboratory operations, improve cost-effectiveness for the healthcare system, and ultimately benefit patients and clinicians. Six Sigma methodologies play a crucial role in selecting appropriate QC designs for each parameter, ensuring efficient control while maximizing cost-effectiveness. Emphasizing the importance of suitable QC strategies and continuous technologist training is vital for mitigating analytical errors and enhancing turnaround time through comprehensive automation of the analytical phase.

Advancing medical laboratory practice in Pakistan: insights from a focus group study on technologists’ training needs

BackgroundThe realm of medical laboratory technology (MLT) training and education is unstructured in Pakistan. The primary challenge currently confronting the workforce in MLT is the absence of standardized curricula and assessments in education and training. This was an exploratory study aiming to inquire experiences of trainees, alumni and teaching coordinators regarding the technologist training program in a single institute at Pakistan.MethodsTo gain an in depth understanding of MLT program, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were held at Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Pakistan during Feb-April 2024. A team of pathologists and educationists developed interview guides for FGDs in English. Interviews were bilingual, transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic analysis. Participants included current trainees, alumni, teaching and learning coordinators and moderators for the interview.ResultsA total of 29 participants were engaged; these included current MLT trainees (n = 10), alumni (n = 10), and teaching/learning coordinators and sectional supervisors (n = 9). Five main themes emerged from the analysis of FGDs: (Scott MG, Rifai N, Smith B, Oellerich M, Panteghini M, Apple F et al. The changing face of laboratory medicine: a more service and less academically oriented profession? 2015;61(2):322-9.) Recognition of key features of the MTT program, (Ferraro S, Braga F, Panteghini MJCC, Medicine L. Lab Med new Healthc Environ. 2016;54(4):523–33.) Evaluating curriculum design, (Waheed U, Ahmad M, Wazeer A, Saeed M, Saba N, Rasheed FJMJMS. Medical laboratory science education; shaping competent and skilled healthcare professionals. 2023;1(1):58–63.) Teaching and learning strategies, (Ned-Sykes R, Johnson C, Ridderhof JC, Perlman E, Pollock A, DeBoy JM. Competency guidelines for public health laboratory professionals. 2015.) Addressing the need to improve assessment methods, and (Linder RJJM, Education B. Educating medical laboratory technologists: revisiting our assumptions in the current economic and health-care environment. 2012;13(2):150-4.) Navigating the transition from a trainee to a competent technologist.ConclusionOur investigation demonstrated its potential as a valuable needs assessment study, highlighting key strengths, drawbacks, and challenges of the existing MTT program. Importantly, these findings at our institute can inform further research efforts to design competency-based MLT education and training programs in Pakistan.

Training complex for developing and evaluating skills for solving optimization and control problems in food production facilities

The paper is devoted to the development of theory and practice of creating computer simulators for professional training of personnel in the food industry. The prototype of the Intellectual Training Complex (ITC) is developed for training engineering specialists in knowledge and skills in solving problems of optimization and control of production processes. The functioning of the ITC software is based on algorithms that allow modeling typical optimization and control problems in exercises, in particular, the processes of formation and evaluation of individual exercise variants are determined by the properties and structure of this type of problems. Implementation of the ITC prototype in the educational process of technological universities to train engineering specialists in the skills of solving optimization and control problems in the practical aspect allows simplifying the creation and evaluation of exercise courses, contributes to better formation of knowledge and skills of a specialist taking into account the specifics of the chosen training direction (in particular, as applied to the professional training of food production technologists, specialists in the automation of technological processes at food enterprises).

ПРАКТИКООРИЕНТИРОВАННОЕ ОБУЧЕНИЕ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ТЕХНОЛОГОВ

The article deals with the issue of practice-oriented training of medical technologists of the Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery (Astrakhan). As a result of mastering the additional professional program of advanced training in the specialty “Laboratory diagnostics”, medical technologists im-proved their knowledge and skills, and also received new competencies for providing medical care to patients with cardiovascular diseases.

ПРАКТИКООРИЕНТИРОВАННОЕ ОБУЧЕНИЕ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ТЕХНОЛОГОВ

The article deals with the issue of practice-oriented training of medical technologists of the Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery (Astrakhan). As a result of mastering the additional professional program of advanced training in the specialty "Laboratory diagnostics", medical technologists im-proved their knowledge and skills, and also received new competencies for providing medical care to patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Motivational affective training and personal growth of health technologists, role of tutors

Introduction: cuban health shows comparable indicators with those of developed countries, the comprehensive training of technologists, who respond to the needs of society, stands out. Continuing and raising these quality budgets is currently a challenge for the medical university, which faces a student who lacks personal and psychological tools to manage his favorable transit through the institution. Objective: to reflect on the need for motivational affective training in the university educational context for the personal growth of health technologists. Methodology: methods of the theoretical level were used: the analytical-synthetic and the historical-logical; that allowed the approach to the theoretical foundations that support the process of motivational affective training in the educational context for the sake of personal growth of students; as well as the compression of its components and dimensions with the adoption of postures. Results: the necessary articulation between the motivational affective and personal growth is recognized in comprehensive training, teachers must assume it as a planned, dynamic and multifactorial process, in such a way that their practice is effective and achieves personal and professional transformation. of students from the intra and extracurricular. Conclusions: the teacher must plan, guide and conduct the motivational affective training, as a component in the comprehensive training of health technologists for the sake of their personal growth, always based on the individual and collective needs of the students, considering the context in which it develops.

P‐BT‐10 | Evaluating Technologist Training at a New Community Hospital‐Based Cell Processing Laboratory

P‐BT‐10 | Evaluating Technologist Training at a New Community Hospital‐Based Cell Processing Laboratory

B-315 Investigation Into Extraction Procedure Substitution in the Abbott Architect i2000 Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, and Cyclosporine Assays

Abstract Background Tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and sirolimus are commonly used immunosuppressive drugs with narrow therapeutic windows requiring consistent monitoring to avoid drug toxicity. The Abbott Architect i2000 tacrolimus, sirolimus, and cyclosporine assays each require a pre-analytical whole blood lysing extraction step prior to analysis on the i2000. This extraction is largely manual, requiring the combination of an extraction reagent with the patient sample, followed by an incubation and centrifugation/pelleting steps, after which, the resulting supernatant is assayed for drug concentration. Each assay has its own unique extraction reagent and incubation steps, albeit all three procedures are quite similar. A clinician-requested investigation into a questionably elevated tacrolimus level led us to investigate the effect of substituting extraction reagents and procedures between the three assays. In this study, we investigated the effect of substituting extraction procedures and reagents on assayed immunosuppressive drug values between the Abbott tacrolimus, sirolimus, and cyclosporine immunoassays. Methods Whole blood was obtained from three patients who had previously had either their tacrolimus, sirolimus, or cyclosporine level assayed within the normal therapeutic range. For each patient, the cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or sirolimus level was re-assayed in triplicate, with the substitution of the other two assay’s extraction procedures performed prior to analysis. Such as: tacrolimus extraction was performed, then assayed for sirolimus or cyclosporine. This procedure was repeated for all three drugs and extraction procedures, affording 9 trials in total. The procedure was repeated with three samples obtained from patients with no measurable immunosuppressive drug levels. Additionally, cross-reactivity in the assay extraction reagents was assessed by measuring, in triplicate, immunosuppressive drug concentration on each extraction reagent without the addition of patient whole blood. Results Analysis in patients undergoing immunosuppressive drug therapy afforded the following changes in assayed drug concentration: Tacrolimus substituting sirolimus, cyclosporine extractions, 5.60 to 8.13, 8.47 ng/mL; sirolimus substituting cyclosporine, tacrolimus extractions 13.63 to 4.60, 8.07 ng/mL; cyclosporine substituting sirolimus, tacrolimus extractions 274.6 to 391.3, 757.30 ng/mL. Analysis in patients with no measurable drug content resulted in no change in assayed drug concentration with exception of tacrolimus, in which tacrolimus substituting sirolimus, cyclosporine extractions afforded <1.50 to 4.40, 4.00 ng/mL. Cross-reactivity trials yielded the following drug concentrations: tacrolimus precipitant: tacrolimus: >30.00, cyclosporine: >1500, sirolimus: 5.97 ng/mL; cyclosporine precipitant: cyclosporine: >1500, tacrolimus: 7.13, sirolimus 1.53 ng/mL; sirolimus precipitant: sirolimus: 5.00, tacrolimus: 8.67, cyclosporine: <25.00 ng/mL. Conclusions The use of incorrect extraction reagents and procedures resulted in both increased and decreased assayed immunosuppressive drug concentrations. These changes in drug concentration were observed in both samples containing, and not containing, immunosuppressive drugs. Significant cross-reactivity was observed in all three assay extraction reagents resulting inappropriately elevated assayed drug concentrations in all three assays. This highlights the need for comprehensive technologist training and effective pre-analytical workflows to prevent errors, such as reagent substitution, from occurring. This study has clinical implications into investigations of spurious immunosuppressive drug values, and substitution of assay extraction reagents and procedures should be investigated when performing root cause analysis into incorrectly reported immunosuppressive drug concentrations.

Partial endorsement of: “Video-polysomnography procedures for diagnosis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and the identification of its prodromal stages: Guidelines from the International RBD Study Group” by the World Sleep Society

Updated guidelines for the video-polysomnography (vPSG) procedures for diagnosing rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and the identification of its prodromal stages have recently been proposed by the Neurophysiology Working Group of the International RBD Study Group (IRBDSG). These guidelines were selected for review by a World Sleep Society (WSS) Parasomnias Task Force and the WSS International Sleep Medicine Guidelines Committee. A survey was completed by sleep society leaders and prominent sleep clinicians and researchers in 31 WSS member countries across six continents, focused on sleep technologist training and certification; extent of public/private health insurance coverage for the vPSG evaluation of RBD; extent of hospital-based sleep-technologist-attended overnight vPSG studies; availability of video during PSG studies; and sufficient specification of PSG machines to record and analyze REM sleep without atonia. The findings from this survey indicated that most health systems and medical communities across WSS member countries would not be capable of implementing the proposed more stringent guidelines, which would then strongly interfere with the diagnosis of RBD in a large portion of patients who would not be able to receive the required (often repeated) vPSG evaluation. Therefore, the WSS can only partially endorse the updated guidelines and concludes that the current International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3rd edition diagnostic criteria for RBD should still be retained as the standard reference for the diagnosis of RBD, and that further discussion across all members of the IRBDSG should take place to ensure the feasibility of any future proposed changes.

Assessment of effective dose and radiation-induced cancer risk in CT-KUB

Background and objectivesAmong the various imaging techniques employed for disorders related to the renal and urinary tract systems, computed tomography of kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) is considered the gold standard. The study evaluated effective dose and organ equivalent dose and estimated cancer risk for patients undergoing CT-KUB scans. MethodsScans of 110 patients (76 males, 31 females; mean age 45 years) were completed using a calibrated GE Light Speed 64-slice multi-slice CT (MSCT) scanner. CT exposure parameters were recorded, including tube current, pitch factor tube potential, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP), and the National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for computed tomography (NCICT) was used to calculate the effective dose for each patient. Patient organ doses for colon, breast, stomach, bladder, prostate, and ovaries were calculated and converted to estimate cancer risk, based on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII report. ResultsCTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose reported mean values of 9.9 mGy, 483.57 mGy cm, and 5.8 mSv, respectively. Lifetime cancer risk ranged from 0.01% to 0.08%, with a mean of 0.03% per 100,000 CT-KUB procedures. For younger individuals, the level of risk was higher for females than for males. While male patients are at higher risk than females for colon cancer, with close risk for both genders regarding stomach and bladder cancers. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between effective dose and body mass index (p < 0.011, r > 0.4), AP diameter (p < 0.01, r > 0.4), and transfer diameter (p < 0.01, r > 0.5). ConclusionsAlthough the reported effective doses fall within the standard limits, there is significant potential to reduce the radiation dose for patients undergoing CT-KUB. Possible options include low dose protocols and ultrasonography, depending on patient characteristics and clinical condition. Appropriate education and training of radiologic technologists can help to ensure radiation dose optimization.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Cochlear Implants without Magnet Removal: A Radiology-Administered Protocol to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Improve Workflow.

To describe the development, implementation, and validation of a radiology-administered protocol to obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants without magnet removal. Retrospective review and description of novel care pathway. A radiology-administered protocol was designed based on careful input from the radiology safety committee and neurotology. Radiology technologist training modules, consent instructions, patient educational material, clinical audits, and other safeguards were implemented, with samples provided in this report. The primary outcomes measured included instances of magnet displacement during MRI and premature termination of MRI studies secondary to pain. Between June 19, 2018, and October 12, 2021, 301 implanted ears underwent MRI without magnet removal, including 153 devices housing diametric MRI-conditional magnets, and 148 implants with conventional axial (i.e., nondiametric) magnets. Among cases with diametric MRI-conditional magnets, all studies were completed without magnet dislodgement or need to terminate imaging early due to pain. Among cases with conventional axial (nondiametric) magnets, 29 (19.6%) MRI studies were stopped prematurely secondary to pain or discomfort; the overall rate of this event was 9.6% (29 of 301) among the entire study cohort. In addition, 6.1% (9 of 148) experienced confirmed magnet displacement despite headwrap placement; the overall rate among all cases was 3.0% (9 of 301). Eight of these patients received successful external magnet reseating through manual pressure on the external scalp without surgery, and one required surgical replacement of the magnet in the operating room. There were no documented instances of hematoma, infection, device or magnet extrusion, internal device movement (i.e., gross receiver-stimulator migration), or device malfunction in this cohort related to MRI. We present the successful implementation of a radiology-administered protocol designed to streamline care for cochlear implant and auditory brainstem implant recipients who require MRI and ease clinical demands for otolaryngology providers. Examples of resources developed, including a process map, radiology training modules, consent instructions, patient educational materials, clinical audit, and other procedural safety measures are provided so interested groups may consider adapting and implementing related measures according to need.

Translation of surface electromyography to clinical and motor rehabilitation applications: The need for new clinical figures.

Advanced sensors/electrodes and signal processing techniques provide powerful tools to analyze surface electromyographic signals (sEMG) and their features, to decompose sEMG into the constituent motor unit action potential trains, and to identify synergies, neural muscle drive, and EEG-sEMG coherence. However, despite thousands of articles, dozens of textbooks, tutorials, consensus papers, and European and International efforts, the translation of this knowledge into clinical activities and assessment procedures has been very slow, likely because of lack of clinical studies and competent operators in the field. Understanding and using sEMG-based hardware and software tools requires a level of knowledge of signal processing and interpretation concepts that is multidisciplinary and is not provided by most academic curricula in physiotherapy, movement sciences, neurophysiology, rehabilitation, sport, and occupational medicine. The chasm existing between the available knowledge and its clinical applications in this field is discussed as well as the need for new clinical figures. The need for updating the training of physiotherapists, neurophysiology technicians, and clinical technologists is discussed as well as the required competences of trainers and trainees. Indications and examples are suggested and provide a basis for addressing the problem. Two teaching examples are provided in the Supplementary Material.

Assessment of Nursing Competency Among Radiology Technologists in Yemen

Radiology technologists’ competencies in nursing practices are critical in providing optimum health care in radiology departments. The aim of this study was to assess the essential nursing competencies among radiology technologists in Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted during July-August 2022. A total of 348 radiology technologists participated in this work and completed an online-based questionnaire. The results revealed that more than half of the participants (61.78%) had an adequate level of nursing competency. The results also demonstrated wide variations in nursing practice among radiology technologists. The highest rated nursing competencies focused on protection of patient's integrity, alleviation of patient's anxiety, and adaptability of radiologic examination of the patient's needs, whereas the lowest rated nursing competencies focused on prescribing the suitable drugs in emergency condition, encountering the drugs complications during radiological examinations, and performing some nursing procedures. Furthermore, the findings exhibited the significant association between nursing competency of radiology technologists and some of sociodemographic factors particularly related to age, working experience, and education level. In conclusion, radiology technologists displayed an average level of nursing competencies that needs to be enhanced through continuing learning and training programs. Knowledge about radiology technologists' competencies in nursing practice is critical for planning and performing strategies in professional training and education of radiology technologists.

Establishment of local diagnostic reference levels for common adult CT examinations: a multicenter survey in Addis Ababa

BackgroundIn medical imaging, a computed tomography (CT) scanner is a major source of ionizing radiation. All medical radiation exposures should be justified and optimized to meet the clinical diagnosis. Thus, to avoid unnecessary radiation doses for patients, diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) have been used. The DRLs are used to identify unusually high radiation doses during CT procedures, which are not appropriate for the clinical diagnosis. It has been successfully implemented in Europe, Canada, Australia, the United States, several industrialized countries, and a few underdeveloped countries. The present study aimed to establish DRLs for the head, chest, and abdominopelvic (AP) CT procedures in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA pilot study identified the most frequent CT examinations in the city. At the time of the pilot, eighteen CT scan facilities were identified as having functioning CT scanners. Then, on nine CT facilities (50% of functional CT scanners), a prospective analysis of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) was performed. We collected data for 838 adult patients’ head, chest, and AP CT examinations. SPSS version 25 was used to compute the median values of the DLP and CTDIvol dose indicators. The rounded 75th percentile of CTDIvol and DLP median values were used to define the DRLs. The results are compared to DRL data from the local, regional, and international levels.ResultThe proposed DRLs using CTDIvol (mGy) are 53, 13, and 16 for the head, chest, and AP examinations respectively, while the DLP (mGy.cm) for the respective examinations were 1210, 635, and 822 mGy.cm.ConclusionBaseline CT DRLs figures for the most frequently performed in Addis Ababa were provided. The discrepancies in dose between CT facilities and as well as between identical scanners suggests a large potential for dose optimization of examinations. This can be actually achieved through appropriate training of CT technologists and continuous dose audits.

VARK preference and perception of online versus offline professional development training of medical laboratory technologists.

This study aims to understand the learning preferences and perception of medical laboratory technologists on sudden shift from offline to online training sessions during COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft form containing twenty-four questions was circulated to the twenty-five laboratory technologists after 1year of online continuous professional development training. VARK questionnaire was circulated to understand the learning style. Provision of recording lectures, significant reduction of performance anxiety, anxiety associated with criticism, and QA sessions emerged as the major positive aspects of a virtual training platform. Analysis of learning preferences revealed that most technologists had a unimodal aural (45%) or kinesthetics (33%) than visual (11%) and reading (11%) learning preference. In bimodal learning preference, AK (44.44%) emerged as the predominant form. Forty percent of the technologists showed trimodal learning pattern with 50% among them showing an ARK pattern while 25% each showing VAK and VRK patterns of learning preferences. Medical laboratory technologists adapted well to the sudden shift from offline to online continuous development programs. However, efficient managerial mechanisms to address the major perceived hurdles and designing a multimodal training module to accommodate the learning preferences of our technologists can ensure enthusiastic participation and effective learning among medical laboratory technologists.

The Use of Modern Digital Technologies in the Design and Technology VET in Ukraine

The objective of this paper is to substantiate the system of vocational education and training (VET) of fashion designers and technologists to perform computer modeling and design of the clothes. The use of the developed system of training specialists in fashion design, which provides for the use of CAD systems, contributes to the formation of readiness of future fashion designers to use specialized software in their professional activities. To increase the efficiency of VET, we used the following types of learning activities: development of creative collage, development of artistic sketches of clothes, design of templates for different sizes, use of programs for the 3D design of the clothes. A feature of this study is the selection of the software used in the design of the clothes, namely GraziaCAD and JULIVI CAD. The effectiveness of these types of tasks is confirmed by an experiment, in which 80 students from Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design took part (CG 44 students, EG 36 students). Comparing the results of incoming and outgoing control of the level of students’ readiness, a decrease in the number of students with a low level of readiness for the use of ICT in the professional activities was noted: from 22.7 % to 11.4 % in CG and from 22.2 % to 5.6 % in EG. At the same time, the percentage of students with a high level of readiness increased in both groups: from 29.5 % to 38.6 % in CG and from 25.0 % to 66.7 % in EG. Also, it should be noted that the biggest changes in the number of students with a high level of knowledge took place in EG. This, with 95% reliability according to Pearson's criterion, means that the experimental educational program led to a significant increase in the level of readiness for the use of ICT in the EG, in comparison with the CG. This confirms the effectiveness of the proposed educational program. The results of the study confirm the effectiveness of the generally accepted international practice of using the digital design in VET in the field of fashion design and technologies.

SNMMI Clinical Trial Network Research Series for Technologists: Application of Good Clinical Practice to Clinical Research in Medical Imaging.

This article is part of a series developed by the Clinical Trials Network of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging to offer training and information for molecular imaging technologists and researchers about various aspects of clinical research. This article covers the topic of good clinical practice and how that relates to those portions of the Code of Federal Regulations that govern clinical research in the United States, such as title 21, part 312, and the Common Rule. The purpose of this article is to inform technologists and researchers about standard roles, documents, guidance, and processes that are elemental to the conduct of clinical trials and to offer additional resources for learning about these processes.

Magnetoencephalography: at the forefront of optimizing epilepsy surgery

Magnetoencephalography: at the forefront of optimizing epilepsy surgery

System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot

System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot